Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund

Philanthropic international organization. Originally called the Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund for University Women, the VGIF was founded in 1969 by a group of women affiliated with the International Federation of University Women. They sought to create a fund to provide monies for projects "which further the development of educational theory and practice, foster the development of human resources, and advance the cause of mutual understanding and cooperation among university women throughout the world," particularly in developing nations. Small grants were awarded for educational projects and other community development projects affecting the condition of women and girls. Within a decade, the Fund broadened its original purpose and began to encompass projects beyond those narrowly aimed at university women. Today, most of the projects funded are to women in low per capita income countries. In 1997, VGIF achieved NGO status at the United Nations.

From the description of Papers 1969-2004 (ongoing). (Smith College). WorldCat record id: 47700298

Originally called the Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund for University Women, the VGIF was founded in 1969 by a group of women affiliated with the International Federation of University Women. They sought to create a fund to provide monies for projects "which further the development of educational theory and practice, foster the development of human resources, and advance the cause of mutual understanding and cooperation among university women throughout the world," particularly in developing nations. The incorporators named the fund for Virginia Gildersleeve, Dean of Barnard College from 1911 to 1947, in honor of her commitment to the concept that women college graduates could, given the resources, make significant contributions to the development of their countries and to the world at large. To this end, the organization regularly underwrites conferences, workshops, and educational projects undertaken by individuals and organizations all over the world.

For a comprehensive history of the Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund, please see History: 1968-1978, by former president Althea K. Hottel in SERIES I: ADMINISTRATION.

From the guide to the Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund Records MS 354., 1969-2002, (Sophia Smith Collection)